Seven years and 152 tournaments. That's how long it took Australian veteran Katherine Kirk to win her third LPGA Tour title.
The 35-year-old Kirk was rewarded for her persistence when she made a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole to claim a one-stroke victory in the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic in Wisconsin.
While she won with an impressive 22-under total of 266, Kirk was a relieved woman after starting the final day with a four-shot lead and clinging on, needing that final birdie putt to match that of South African runner-up Ashleigh Buhai (67).
"I'm glad I didn't have to play extra holes, I'll tell you that, because I don't know how it would have turned out," said Kirk, who shot a 70 with six birdies and four bogeys.
"To make that putt was huge."
Kirk collected $US300,000 prizemoney and the win could not have been more timely, earning her a spot this week's US Women's Open in New Jersey.
It was her first success since the 2010 Navistar LPGA Classic. She had previously won the 2008 Canadian Women's Open.
"Winning out here is hard, and it's a lot harder than when I first did it, that's for sure," Kirk said.
"We've got so much talent out here now, it's definitely hard to win. I think, too, I'm like the 15th-oldest player on tour, so certainly if you're looking at age, it's more in favour of the younger generation these days."
The win came after some lean times for Kirk who made only nine cuts in 2015 and again in 2016 for total prizemoney of just $US125, 939 in the two years.
"I had a rough couple years...and just an amazing team behind me. My husband has been 100 per cent supportive the whole time," she said .
"I can't put it into words. It's just a great feeling."
Kirk set up the win by opening with rounds of 68, 63 and 65.
"Just winning is totally unexpected, and obviously getting in the (US) Open is unexpected," she said.
"I've got to scramble and get a flight out there now and get my caddie out there and get accommodation. ... It's always fun to play in majors, and I'm carrying probably the best form into a major that I ever have.
"I just hope I can have enough energy to get me through the week."
South Korea's Sei Young Kim was third at 20 under after a 63, while Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum shot a career-best 62 to finish fourth at 19 under.
Australia's Minjee Lee finished in a tie for 20th after closing with a 68 to be 13 under.
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